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An alkali-soluble factor present in normal brain tissue inhibits antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation

J W Lindsey1

  • 1Department of Neurology, University of Texas--Houston Medical School, 77030, USA. blindsey@neuro.med.uth.tmc.edu

Journal of Neuroimmunology
|February 16, 2000
PubMed

Insights

Brain tissue contains immune regulatory factors that inhibit lymphocyte proliferation to antigens but stimulate responses to mitogens. This activity, linked to a brain glycoprotein or proteoglycan, warrants further study in vivo.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroimmunology
  • Cellular immunology

Background:

  • The brain is recognized as an immune privileged site.
  • It is hypothesized to contain multiple immune regulatory factors.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the immune regulatory properties of brain tissue on cultured lymphocytes.
  • To characterize the nature of these regulatory factors.

Main Methods:

  • Lymphocyte proliferation assays using homogenized brain tissue.
  • Enzymatic (protease, neuraminidase) and chemical (alkali solubility) treatments.
  • Gel filtration chromatography.
  • Assays for cytokine (IL-2) effects, Fas/FasL interactions, and gangliosides.

Main Results:

  • Brain homogenate inhibited antigen-specific lymphocyte proliferation but stimulated mitogen-induced proliferation.
  • The inhibitory activity was sensitive to proteases and neuraminidase.
  • The active factor was found in the high molecular weight fraction of alkali-soluble brain homogenate, containing protein and carbohydrate.
  • This factor blocked the effects of IL-2 and was independent of known regulatory cytokines, Fas/FasL, and gangliosides.

Conclusions:

  • A brain-derived glycoprotein or proteoglycan, potentially membrane-bound or extracellular matrix-associated, exhibits immune regulatory effects in vitro.
  • These findings suggest a novel mechanism for immune regulation within the central nervous system.

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